Chapter 9 Definitions

Cue (political)

Politicians take directions from interest groups and lobbyist.

Direct Mail

Using computers to mail directly to specialized audiences identified from lists developed by the staff or purchased from other organizations.

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946

Requires groups and individuals seeking to influence legislation to register with the secretary of the Senate and the clerk of the house and to file quarterly financial reports.

Ideological Interest Groups

Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions with coherent sets of (usually) controversial principles.

Incentive

A valued benefit obtained by joining a political organization.

Institutional Interest

Individuals or organizations representing other organizations

Interest Groups

Any organizations that seek to influence public policy

Lobby

Activities by which groups are brought to bear on legislators, the legislative process, and all aspects of the public-policy- making process

Lobbyist

An person representing an interest group who engages in lobbying to push his groups need politically

Material Incentive

Tangible rewards that are often monetary, such as wages, fringe benefits, and patronage

Membership interests

The interests of the members of an interest group

Pluralistic Political System

A political system with several distinct groups and parties

Political Action Committee

The political extension of special-interest groups which have a major stake in public policy

Public Interest Lobby

An interest lobby that seeks to institute certain public policies of benefit to all or most people in this country, whether or not they belong to or support that organization

Purposive Incentive

An act of goodness that the one who performs the act does not necessarily benefit from

Ratings

Feelings of voter on the elected politicians

Social Movements

Large, informal groupings of individuals and/or organizations focused on specific political or social issues.

Solidary Incentive

The social rewards that lead people to join local or state political organizations. People who find politics fun and want to meet others who share their interests are said to respond to solidary incentives